Volunteers Needed for MHA's CASA and Host Visitation Programs

Tarrytown, N.Y. --The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is seeking volunteers for two important programs. Each one represents a key piece of the safety net for children living in foster care in our community.

Host Visitation is a program in which volunteers are trained as Visit Hosts offering children separated by foster care the opportunity to stay connected to their families of origin through increased visitation. Visits can occur as often as weekly, and take place in a variety of settings including community centers, churches, and the homes of other family members. Visiting is shown to reduce the trauma that children experience as a result of separation.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is looking for volunteers to serve as advocates for children in foster care or at risk for foster care. CASA volunteers are assigned by Court Order to a family to monitor their health, education, mental health and plans for a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers provide a report to the court, attorneys and Westchester Department of Social Security prior to each court date so that barriers to services can be addressed.

Training will be on Wednesdays from October 29 through November 19 at MHA offices, 580 White Plains Rd. Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY 10591.

To find out more or schedule an interview, please contact Jackie Boissonnault, LMSW at (914) 345-5900 ext. 7518 or at Boissonj@mhawestchester.org

MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 68 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports more than 25,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services striving to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead independent and healthy lives. For more about MHA, visit www.mhawestchester.org.